Fears rise that proposed laws may destroy N.H. fishing

Tuesday

Jan 29, 2013 at 2:00 AM

PORTSMOUTH — As the New England Fishery Management Council gathers in the Port City this week to discuss the fate of the region's fishing industry, lawmakers are advocating a softening of regulatory proposals they say could wipe out commercial fishing in New Hampshire.

Joey Cresta

PORTSMOUTH — As the New England Fishery Management Council gathers in the Port City this week to discuss the fate of the region's fishing industry, lawmakers are advocating a softening of regulatory proposals they say could wipe out commercial fishing in New Hampshire.

The first of a four-day New England Fishery Management Council meeting began Monday behind closed doors at the Sheraton Harborside Hotel. Fishermen are most anxious for Wednesday, when the council will discuss in public the details of its request to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Marine Fisheries Service for interim action regarding overfishing of Gulf of Maine cod and haddock in 2013.

Portsmouth fisherman Erik Anderson, president of the N.H. Commercial Fishermen's Association, said Wednesday will be the day the council discusses the fate of this and other fishing communities as it addresses fishing quotas. Proposals suggest reductions of cod and haddock catches by as much as 80 percent, he said.

"The impacts are huge. We've said it right along," he said. "This is it. If these guys don't have any fish to catch, it's over."

The National Marine Fisheries Service has declined the New England Fishery Management Council's request that interim measures be enacted for a second consecutive year on Gulf of Maine cod. The interim measures would reduce, but not end, overfishing of the species.

Last year's interim action was for the 2012 fishing season, which ends April 30. It reduced catch limits by 22 percent, and was implemented to avoid the collapse of the fishery while also taking action on an updated stock assessment that revealed the Gulf of Maine cod population was much smaller than previously believed.

"We're required to end overfishing immediately," said Maggie Mooney-Seus, public affairs officer for the National Marine Fisheries Service northeast regional office. "We found some flexibility that would allow us to take some interim measures in 2012."

The law that requires NOAA's fisheries service to end overfishing immediately is the Magnuson-Stevens Act. Mooney-Seus said the agency warned last year, and still believes, that the act does not allow for interim measures to be implemented for a second year in a row.

"That's where we stand right now," she said.

On Monday, U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., and Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., released a joint statement after sending a letter to Rebecca Blank, acting secretary of the Department of Commerce, asking that NOAA reconsider its decision. The Department of Commerce oversees NOAA.

"Fishing is one of the Granite State's oldest industries, and it is still a critical driver of our state's economy today. The National Marine Fisheries Service's recent decision will deal a blow to coastal communities across New England, but New Hampshire will be especially hit hard," the senators said in a joint statement. "Sustainable fisheries are essential to the industry's long-term success, but the department must first ensure that sweeping measures do not devastate fishing communities."

Mooney-Seus said NOAA understands that the proposed measures threaten the livelihoods of fishermen, but the Magnuson-Stevens Act requires them to take swift action to protect threatened fish stocks.

"We are considering a number of measures to help. By no stretch of the imagination will they fix the situation," she said.

In contrast to NOAA's stance, the senators' letter outlines provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Act they say make clear that Congress's intent with the law was to prevent fisheries from collapsing while management councils prepare and implement plans for rebuilding fish stocks.

Anderson became quickly exasperated when asked to weigh in on the debate between elected officials and regulators.

"This collision is just constantly taking place. This seems to be the train wreck of all train wrecks," he said. "It's time for something to be done. If the agencies say it's the law (and) if Congress doesn't like it, then Congress should change it."

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